Even if you're short on time, this hike ( time to the trailhead from Seattle plus the hike itself ) will take you only half of the day !
The trail is snow free, and accessible year round, but is best enjoyed on a nice sunny day ! But even on an average Seattle rainy day, the tree coverage will provide protection from wind and rain.
But on clear days, expansive views of Mount Rainier open up from the South Viewpoint, and from the North Viewpoint the entire Seattle metro area comes into view, including Squak Mountain, Issaquah, Lake Sammamish and Lake Washington. On the clearest of days, even Mount Baker can be seen.
This short, but steep hike is often described as "strenuous", but in reality, the hike is very doable even for kids as young as 5 y.o.
The main drawback ? It's extremely popular among locals, and on weekends the trail can be very congested. So, if you can, try to go during the week.
There are two picnic tables at the trailhead, and there are a couple toilets. There is no regular water source ( so make sure you bring plenty of water... there is also a gas station 10 min away from the trailhead if you need to buy last minute drinks/snacks ).
Even though the Chirico Trail to Poo Poo Point is super popular among local hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts, that's not what the trail is best known for !
Poo Poo Point is a launching pad for local paragliders, and hang gliders ! The launch spot, two clearings cut into the forest 1,500 feet over Issaquah, makes up one of the top paragliding sites in the country. When the weather is right, the sky above the wooded hills fills with multicolored gliders !
And the best part ? YOU can be a part of it ! Give tandem paragliding a try !
If you're visiting Seattle, hiking, and paragliding from the top of Tiger's Mt Poo Poo Point is an amazing adventure to add to your Bucket List !!
You DON'T need any experience, and kids as young as 8 y.o can try it !!
Note :
The tandem flights take place year round, but...
Paragliding is a very weather dependant sport, and since the Seattle weather is known to be rainy, and unpredictable, it's best to schedule your flight ahead of time, and watch the weather closely the day before. Unfortunately, it's not 100% guarantee.
Learn more about tandem paragliding at Tiger Mountain here...
Tip :
The Chirico Trail ( described in this post ) is 3.8 miles which starts at Issaquah High School ( 11206 Issaquah-Hobart Road Southeast, Issaquah, WA 98027 )
The Poo Poo Point Trail from Tiger Mt trailhead is 7.2 miles ( and starts at/near HWY 18 ).
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